The Amazing History of Wigs: Wigs Then and Now

Wigs, wigs, wig! In recent years, wigs have become a major trend, especially with high-profile celebrities like Beyoncé and Kylie Jenner confidently sporting them.

Wigs have come a long way, evolving significantly over the years. Lace Front Wigs, 360 Frontals, and Full Lace Wigs have made it easier than ever to switch up your look while still appearing natural and beautiful.

Wigs are nothing new, so it got me thinking about how iconic women like Tina Turner rocked wigs in the 50s and 60s. When did lace front wigs start to gain popularity? I pulled out my Wigology Textbook (Google) and did some digging.

Here’s what I found:

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In the Beginning

Let’s journey back to the BC era to understand the origins of wigs. The ancient Egyptians were the first known creators of wigs, crafting them from human hair, palm leaf fibers, or even wool. Wigs at that time held significant cultural and religious importance, serving as symbols of rank, status, and piety.

They also offered practical protection against the harsh elements shielding their heads from the relentless sun and insects. These early wigs were not just accessories but were deeply intertwined with the daily lives and rituals of ancient Egyptians. In Europe, the use of wigs followed a different path. Initially, women primarily used their own hair as a base for elaborate headdresses.

Hairstyles were simpler and less varied, with false hairpieces becoming more common only toward the end of the 15th century. This marked a significant shift as people began to experiment with fashion and adornments beyond natural hair. The process involved using powders and gummed substances to style and maintain hair in intricate ways. However, a full head wig was not very popular during this period, and most people were content with enhancing their natural hair or wearing smaller hairpieces.

The terminology for wigs also evolved over time. In different cultures and regions, wigs were referred to by various names Perruque, peruke, periwyk, periwig each capturing a different aspect or style. These terms reflected the diverse ways wigs were worn and their cultural significance. The development and usage of wigs were a testament to how fashion and function intersected, illustrating changing tastes and technological advancements in hair styling through the ages.

European Wigs

During this period, wigmakers were crafting custom wigs by hand, a process that was both intricate and expensive. Wigs became a significant part of contemporary culture for both women and men, serving as a means to express fashion sense and social status. They were especially popular in the seventeenth century when elaborate wigs became a key element of personal style.

Many people who could not afford wigs went to great lengths to style their natural hair in a way that mimicked the appearance of a wig, often using combs, powders, and other tools to achieve a similar look. By the mid-eighteenth century, the trend for wigs had reached its peak, with white being the color of choice. Wig makers would use flour or starch to grease and powder wigs, creating the characteristic white hue that was so fashionable at the time.

These wigs were often adorned with elaborate decorations, including jewels and trinkets, making them not only a statement of fashion but also a symbol of wealth and status. The complexity and decoration of wigs during this period showcased the craftsmanship and creativity of wig makers, transforming wigs from simple hair coverings to extravagant accessories. The wigs from this era were not just functional but also played a crucial role in social and cultural identity.

They allowed people to express their individuality and sophistication, aligning their personal style with the prevailing fashion trends. The artistry involved in wig making combining powders, starches, and decorations reflected the period’s broader fashion sensibilities, where appearance and personal grooming were of great importance. This fascination with wigs underscored the close relationship between fashion, self-expression, and social hierarchy during the eighteenth century in Europe.

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1920s

By the 1920s, wigs had fallen out of fashion as women embraced the trend of the bob haircut. The bob became an iconic style of the era, characterized by its short, chin-length cut that highlighted a natural, effortless look. Women were eager to wear their own hair, favoring the freedom and ease that the bob hairstyle offered over the more elaborate wigs of previous generations. Wigs had been associated with an older style and were seen as cumbersome and outdated.

Older women, however, were often reluctant to give up their wigs, holding on to their traditional styles as younger generations explored new hairstyling techniques. This period marked a significant shift in how people viewed hair and beauty. The bob haircut became a symbol of modernity, independence, and the changing role of women in society.

It was part of the broader cultural movement known as the Roaring Twenties, where women enjoyed more freedom, socialized more openly, and embraced fashion and beauty with vigor. Wigs, meanwhile, began to lose their status as a mainstream fashion accessory, as women sought a more natural and personal connection to their hair. It wasn’t until the 1950s that wigs made a comeback. With the post-war period came a renewed interest in fashion and self-expression.

The 1950s were marked by glamorous styles and the rise of Hollywood icons like Marilyn Monroe, who often sported elaborate hairstyles and wigs for their films. This resurgence was partly due to the increased affordability and variety of wigs available, making them accessible to a broader audience. Wigs once again became a tool for transformation and style, allowing women to experiment with different looks without making a permanent change to their natural hair.

Wigs in the Black Community

Wigs became a popular choice in the African-American community because they offered a convenient way for women to style their hair without the hassle of heat-styling. During this period, chemical relaxers and heat-styling were the primary methods used to straighten kinky, curly hair, but these processes could be time-consuming and painful.

Wigs allowed African-American women to achieve various styles effortlessly and provided a means to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards without the need for constant heat exposure.

For many Black women, wigs offered a versatile solution to changing hairstyles while preserving the health and integrity of their natural hair. They could experiment with different looks such as long, straight styles or bouncy curls without the damage caused by frequent chemical treatments or heat-styling. Wigs allowed them to quickly transition from one style to another, adapting their appearance to different occasions or moods.

White women also continued to wear wigs during this period, often for convenience rather than necessity. The ease of changing styles without damaging natural hair was a significant advantage, particularly as fashion trends shifted rapidly. Wigs provided an accessible and temporary way to experiment with different looks, whether for daily wear or special occasions.

Wigs in the Music Industry

In the 1970s, iconic entertainers like Tina Turner and Diana Ross regularly sported stunning wigs during their performances. Take a look at their shows you’ll see just how these wigs added to their unforgettable stage presence.

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This beautiful bob style with bangs perfectly complemented Ms. Turner’s features, enhancing her striking stage presence. The bob wig was a popular choice in the 1970s, allowing her to effortlessly change her look and add a touch of glamour to her performances.

This hairstyle highlighted her facial features and added to the overall aesthetic of her shows. The popularity of bob wigs during that era was not just a fashion statement but also a practical choice for entertainers, enabling them to easily switch between different looks without committing to permanent changes to their natural hair.

This wig is incredibly natural-looking, with the bangs cut to perfection. It seamlessly blends with her natural hairline, creating a flawless and effortless style. Tina Turner famously rocked this long, silky wig before she introduced the world to her iconic big, blonde wig.

What’s even more impressive is that Tina Turner made all her wigs by hand, showcasing her meticulous attention to detail and artistry. The process of wig-making allowed her to express her individuality and creativity, turning a simple accessory into a signature part of her identity. If you’re interested in wig-making, it’s a skill that anyone can learn, allowing you to create unique styles just like Tina Turner.

Wigs fell out of fashion once again in the 1990s as the popularity of pixie cuts and braids surged. During this decade, there was a noticeable shift towards more natural and diverse hairstyles, particularly within the African American community. Women experimented with a wide range of cuts and colors, often embracing short, choppy styles or long, layered looks.

Straightening their hair became a common practice, reflecting a desire for versatility and a more personal connection to their natural texture. The emphasis was on embracing individuality and showcasing the beauty of natural hair, allowing women to confidently express their style in ways that were both trendy and reflective of their heritage. Wigs, once a staple for convenience and fashion transformation, took a back seat as natural hair became the focal point of personal style in the 90s.

Modern Day Wigs

Wigs made a major comeback in the mid-2000s, driven by the rise in popularity of lace front wigs. This new generation of wigs offered a more natural-looking alternative to traditional styles, making it easier for women to change their hairstyles frequently without sacrificing realism.

The lace front wigs allowed for a seamless blend with natural hairlines, giving wearers the freedom to switch up their look at will whether they wanted long, short, curly, or straight hairstyles. One of the most notable celebrities known for her versatility with wigs is Zendaya. She’s a prime example of how lace front wigs can transform a look.

Zendaya effortlessly goes from sleek and straight to voluminous curls, and she even experiments with different colors. These wig transformations allow her to express her creativity and versatility while maintaining a natural and beautiful appearance. Some of Zendaya’s best wig moments include big, sexy curls that perfectly frame her face, showcasing her ability to effortlessly pull off any hairstyle she chooses.

Zendaya left her fans in awe with this pixie cut wig! Many were surprised and even thought she had cut her natural hair because she wore this wig so seamlessly. The short style is one of my favorite looks on her, showcasing her ability to pull off such a drastic change without missing a beat.

The bob and bangs of this particular wig have a sleek, sophisticated finish that reminds me of the legendary Tina Turner. The wig not only captures the essence of timeless elegance but also highlights Zendaya’s versatility in experimenting with different hairstyles. It’s a perfect blend of classic beauty and modern chic, allowing her to pay homage to iconic styles while making them her own.

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Modern Day Wigs

Modern wigs have evolved significantly compared to earlier European styles, offering more natural and versatile options for wearers. Today, most wigmakers are based in Asia, where advanced technology allows for the creation of machine weft wigs produced using specialized machines to sew hair strands onto a wig base. These machine-made wigs are often more affordable and readily available, catering to the mass market.

However, custom wigs have also gained popularity, particularly in the United States. These custom wigs allow for a tailored fit, with a stylist crafting the wig to perfectly match the dimensions of the client’s head. This personalized approach ensures a seamless and comfortable fit, as well as the ability to match specific hair textures and styles.

In addition to custom fit, modern wigs come in a wide range of curl patterns, from tight curls to loose waves, enabling wearers to switch up their look according to their preferences. This variety in texture allows for greater versatility and creativity, making wigs not just a practical solution for hair changes but also a fashion statement.

Whether it’s for everyday wear, special occasions, or simply to experiment with different styles, modern wigs offer a seamless way to achieve various looks without the commitment or damage associated with permanent changes to natural hair. With advancements in wig-making techniques and materials, today’s wigs are undetectable and blend effortlessly with the wearer’s own hair, allowing for a natural, beautiful appearance.

Lace Frontal Wigs

Lace frontal wigs, including 360 frontal wigs and full lace wigs, are among the latest innovations in wig technology. A 360 frontal wig features lace around the entire perimeter of the head, allowing for enhanced styling flexibility. Wearers can easily pull the hair up into a ponytail or create various parting options without compromising the natural appearance of the wig. This type of wig offers a seamless blend with the natural hairline, providing a realistic look that is both versatile and comfortable.

Full lace wigs take it a step further by being constructed entirely from lace. There are no tracks or wefts in this type of wig, allowing for unrestricted parting and maximum styling possibilities. The lace material creates a breathable, lightweight unit that blends seamlessly with the scalp, making it an ideal choice for those seeking the ultimate in versatility and natural-looking results.

With full lace wigs, wearers can experiment with different hairstyles, part their hair in any direction, and achieve a look that mimics the freedom of natural hair. This combination of realism and flexibility makes full lace wigs a popular choice for those who want to maintain a natural look while enjoying the convenience and style that wigs provide.

U-Part Wigs

U-Part wigs, along with the latest V-Part wigs, have become popular modern wig choices that offer both convenience and a natural appearance. These wigs are designed with a horseshoe-shaped gap at the top of the wearer’s head, allowing the natural hair to blend seamlessly with the wig.

The “U-part” provides a realistic look, giving the wearer the comfort and confidence of wearing their own hair while enjoying the versatility of a wig. This design not only enhances the natural feel but also allows for various styling options, from sleek and straight to voluminous curls.

Wigs have come a long way from their earlier, more primitive forms. Gone are the days when wigs were made from palm leaves, wool, or other materials that were far from realistic. The introduction of synthetic and human hair wigs has transformed the wig industry, making it possible to achieve a natural look with wigs that blend effortlessly with the scalp. Today, wigs are made with advanced techniques and materials that ensure comfort, breathability, and a realistic appearance.

No longer do wig wearers have to use cornstarch to create a white hair effect; modern wigs are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, allowing for greater customization and personalization. The evolution of wig-making techniques means that today’s wigs are not just practical solutions for hair changes but also fashion statements that allow for endless creativity.

This article aims to provide a glimpse into the rich history of wigs and the advancements that have made them an integral part of modern beauty routines. Whether for everyday wear or special occasions, wigs have become a must-have accessory for anyone looking to enhance their style effortlessly.

and…

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